Read Dramatic Punch Kettlebell Boot
Campers
Share Their Success Stories!!
I have been a recreational runner/jogger since high school and started doing marathons and running local races just after college. I also started weight lifting during my freshman year in college to supplement my cardio. Ever since I lost my "freshman 15" from college, I have maintained a healthy weight of about 140lbs for the last 10-15 years. I never thought of myself as heavy but just like any girl, I always wanted to lose 5-10 pounds, or wished my legs or butt were just a little smaller. I have belonged to a gym in one form or another for almost 20 years and I can truly say that they are all about the same...some have fancier equipment than others but they all depend on the motivation of the members to use the fancy equipment. The reality is that some days you're motivated, some days you're not. But if you chose to stay on the couch, I guarantee that the guy working the front desk won't call and ask you where you are.
I heard about Punch Kettlebell gym from a friend. He said that they do crazy things like flip tires, lift stones and use ropes during their workouts. Being the competitive person that I am, naturally I was intrigued. So I called the number and left a message. I remember playing a bit of phone tag with Chris initially but he was very persistent (Chris? No way!!) and never gave up trying to make contact with me. A few days later, I had a consultation appointment with him. During the interview I remember telling him how I was generally self conscious about my body and how my main goals were not necessarily to lose weight but to convert fat to muscle and see if I could push myself to the next level of fitness. I was skeptical that this could ever happen based on a long track record of running and working out with the same results. But I decided to sign up anyway and give it a try...why not? I didn't realize at that time that my decision to join the Punch family would change my life.
During my initial measurements in early March 2010, my weight was 143lbs and body fat at 18.5%. I committed to working out at Punch 4 days per week...3 of those days being at 5:00am...while maintaining 6 days/week of cardio (running or cross training). I already had a relatively good diet but I cleaned it up even further by eliminating all refined sugars, choosing mostly low GI foods paired with high quality/lean protein sources and only eating small amounts of healthy fats. I also started incorporating Sunrider tea and Fortune Delight into my daily routine. By January 2011, I had dropped 9 pounds and 7% body fat and lost inches from every spot on my body.Fast forward to September 2011... by continuing to maintain my workout schedule of 4 (sometimes 5) days per week at Punch plus 6 days per week of cardio and having a very clean, healthy diet, I have dropped another 7 pounds (16 total since March 2010) and 3% body fat (10% total since March 2010). All of these changes have resulted in more energy, motivation and even faster running times! I frequently race in small local 5K and 10K charity runs, and win in my age group (sometimes come in first place for all females!). And the last marathon I ran in December was my fastest time in over 5 years! I am almost 36 years old and feel stronger, leaner and healthier than I have ever felt before in my life. And I am 100% certain that Punch Gym and its wonderful staff have EVERYTHING to do with it!
Teresa Hutsell-McKinney
Dover, Delaware
When the Air National Guard decided to adopt the same fitness standards as the Active Duty Air Force I was a little worried. While I had never failed to meet the standards before, each of the past five years I kept getting closer and I certainly would have failed this year. I was always the person who pushed off testing until the last minute, convincing myself that I would start training tomorrow. Tomorrow always turned into next week, then next month and the next thing I knew it was Friday night before Drill Weekend, and I hadn’t run since last year’s test. On the rare occasion that I was able to muster up the motivation to hit the gym, it never took longer than a few days for me to get bored and stop going. (There's just something about a bunch of power-lifters admiring themselves in the mirror that makes my want to gag.)
I knew I needed to do something, but just couldn’t find anything I thought would work for me. Then a good friend told me about a different kind of gym, one that promoted a lifestyle change rather than the latest weight loss gimmick and mundane gym routines. I stopped at Punch soon after, not expecting to be too impressed considering how much I loathed a typical gym. After talking with Chris and watching just one workout, I signed up as a member! Although I was nervous to start, I had finally found something that looked FUN and would keep my attention!
However, half way through my first week, I was ready to quit! It was much more difficult than I anticipated and I was frustrated that I couldn’t keep up with everyone else in the class. If it wasn’t for Christen’s positive encouragement I probably would have quit. By the end of that week, I already felt stronger and could see small differences in my body.
After training at Punch for about a month, it was time for my dreaded annual fitness test with the Air National Guard. I was surprised to see that I had shed about 3 inches from my waist in that short time. Without that, I would have failed my fitness test before even starting it. I also posted improved scores in all other areas of the test! It’s been about a month since then and I have lost over 7% body fat, 15.6 pounds of fat, 3.5 inches in my waist, 3.75 inches in my hips, and 2.5 inches in my legs and have tons more energy! With the support of the entire Punch staff, I have been able to accomplish more than I ever thought I could in just a couple of months. So I want to thank them all for getting me on the right path to a healthier lifestyle! I can’t wait to continue the journey!
Amanda Barron
Dover, Delaware
My name is Madison Ray and I am a mother of two wonderful children. I have a son who is two and my daughter is five months old. After gaining an extra sixty pounds from both pregnancies, I wanted my body back. I was ready to lose the weight and fit back in my old clothes again. I started boot camp at Punch four months after having my little girl. I was excited to learn in just thirty minutes a day I could get in a great workout without missing too much time from my family.
Immediately, within the first week I started seeing results. After just five weeks, I lost sixteen pounds of fat and 6.7% body fat. The staff at Punch has given me knowledge, confidence, support, and motivation to get my body back and better than ever. Not only did I lose double digits in terms of weight, but I gained overall muscle tone and strength.
I would tell any new mother who is ready to shed the baby weight this program is a must! It has given me the jump start I needed to continue on my weight loss journey and to feel like I did before having children. Thanks to all the staff at Punch I know I am on the road to a healthier life for myself and my family.
Madison Ray
Dover, Delaware
Growing up, I was the kid everyone picked on. I was overweight my entire life, as far back as I can remember. I was also a very sedentary person, exercise, for me, was walking to get the mail, or raking leaves. Throughout my adulthood, through two pregnancies, I gained weight till I was almost 200 lbs, at 5'2" tall. I tried EVERYTHING to lose weight, from starving myself, to Atkins, to South Beach...none of them worked. At almost 40 years old, I knew that I had to do something. I had no energy, I couldn't sleep at night. My back was always hurting, I took naps frequently. My kids wanted to go do this or that, and I had no energy or desire to do anything.
One evening, I was at a local salon, getting my haircut, and someone pointed out a sign to me on the wall and said I should give it a shot. It was a poster that Chris Gray the owner of Punch Kettlebell Gym had put there, advertising the 5 week Boot Camp contest. He said he knew Chris and he was a good guy who knew what he was doing. I thought about it throughout the month of December (2009), and finally, because the Grand Prize was a gift certificate to my favorite salon, I thought, why not, I'll give it a shot. It's only 5 weeks, and maybe it'll give me the knowledge and motivation to start working out at the YMCA. Those first 2 weeks were the most painful 2 weeks of my life! But I was hooked. I started seeing results within a week, and by the end of the 5 weeks, I knew I wasn't going anywhere. I loved the kettlebell workouts, I loved feeling like I was getting a good workout, in 30 minutes. I'd walk out of the gym exhausted, but proud of myself for having gotten through another training session. In those 5 weeks, I lost over 7lbs of fat!
In August of 2010, during one of my testing sessions, Chris suggested that I seriously reconsider my nutrition. I was journaling, but was not really focused on KNOWING what I ate. I started working with his nutrition coaches, and within a month, started seeing amazing results! In those next couple of months, I lost another 12 lbs of fat!
It is now a year and a half later, I have lost over 20% body fat (more than half!), and 50 lbs of fat!! I still work out 4 times a week, looking forward to every training session. I have discovered that I LOVE working out! I like heavy weights and challenging myself. I am no longer a sedentary person. I walk whenever I get the chance, just because I like to do it. I have found that rock climbing can be a real rush! I would never have even tried to climb a rock wall a year ago, now I'm climbing walls in the "difficult" category. I have played paintball with my kids. I look forward to every opportunity to DO something. I sleep better at night and wake up refreshed. I have the energy to get through my day, and I work 2 jobs and have teenagers.
The staff at Punch are amazing! They know what they're doing, and they understand that each person is different and know what to do to help each one. They are completely dedicated to seeing that each and every client reaches his/her goal and are behind each and every one of us. There is no other place like this, you will most likely not get this dedication to YOUR life from any other "gym".
Dawn Creasy
Dover, Delaware
My name is Fran I am a 54, a mom, grandmother and a Pre-school teacher of 3 year olds. In September I really began feeling terrible I was tried all the time, I could not sit on the floor with my students and moving was becoming difficult. I had put on quite a lot of weight in the last three years and I knew I had to make a change. I began praying and asking people who understood about nutrition and exercise because I wanted to make a life change with no diets, just real foods.
In January I joined a Biggest Loser Contest with the encouragement of a good friend (Kyle) she believed in me and knew this was the chance I was looking for. Five weeks into the contest I won a weekly challenge so I was able to pick a prize from one of the local contributors. I Thought..."I will pick the Punch Kettlebell Gym-Boot Camp but then I thought I don't know if I could do this?" Boot Camp at 54 and not in good physical condition but Kyle said you can do this so I picked it. Chris called me and I explained my concerns and he listened and understood, he said watch the video's then decide but he believed he and his staff could help me. I met with the co-owner Karen for my orientation she helped me believe in myself and I even learned something new that night, how to do a squat properly I was doing them all wrong that was the start of the best 4 weeks of my life. Chris and his staff always helped each client achieve their best without hurting yourself. They looked at you as a whole person helping with nutrition, exercising and emotions. They helped me to believe in myself, I worked hard and with their help I took 3rd place in the Biggest Loser Contest. ( two men took 1st and 2nd ).
The best part of this was just 2 weeks into this I was standing taller, sitting straighter and my arthritis medicine was cut down to once a day from 3 to 4 time a day I was feeling great! I can now sit on the floor with my students, dance to silly songs and I am smiling and laughing more, I got my life back. So if you are sitting on the fence or scared to step out of your box just do it this is the BEST GYM I have ever been to and at my age I have been to a few. Chris and his staff will believe in you and help you believe in your self again. A last note on my 4th week I was outside lifting truck tires who would have thought but I did it and boy it felt great to be able to say 'I DID IT'.
Chris Thanks to you and all of your staff, your friend Fran.
Fran Ellsworth
Dover, Delaware
My experience with Punch is too wonderful for words! I was blessed to have found Punch in an extremely depressing time in my life. At the heaviest weight that I have ever been at and stuck in a position when the economy had fallen I had met such an inspiring person who sparked the fire that has changed my life forever!
My life has changed because of Punch! The experience is like no other, it's not just exercising, it's everything from learning how to eat all over again to digging deep into the soul and figuring out how my life got to where I hit "rock bottom". The 20 weeks that I have spent at Punch I have pushed through pain, jumped over obstacles, and physically/mentally healed. I'm 36lbs lighter and would have never achieved this without Punch at my side 100%. I'm half way there and now know I will be successful through the tools that Punch has taught me. It's not about numbers on the scale. It's about the quality of life. The transformation and confidence is the ending result and it's the best investment I have made in my life!
The owners, trainers, and nutritionist are truly there to make differences in people's lives that have lost themselves in life. They are all motivational and inspiring people and are willing to pick you up after you have fallen. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful team!
Melinda Muehlbronner
Dover, Delaware
Being a older gal......Without hesitation, I would refer anyone of any age to contact Punch Kettlebell for it was a very positive experience for me. The professionalism level was impressively high from the attention to determine very individual motivation and goals setting to the extensive education and support. With each step, it is apparent that you are being monitored, measured, trained and encouraged by an owner and staff that really know the business of health and fitness training. Really Caring about "doing it right" and producing results were evident throughout every part of the process. I enjoyed the challenge and felt that not even a minute of time was wasted while I was participating in the boot camp. I developed the utmost respect for how this gym is managed and operated, wanting to also mention what a great blend of serious but also warm and friendly atmosphere can be found there. You can't help but to be inspired and enjoy the ride -- I am very grateful for the experience.
Donna Moore
Dover, Delaware
AWESOME! This program is definitely for people who have lost themselves over the years and for those who are wanting to make the EFFORT to get themselves back again not only for their families but most importantly for themselves!
I made excuses about not being fully committed for months! This is very common for people like me to do. "I'm going to start on a monday", "I'm going to start after the holidays", etc...and than you prolong it until you never do it! So, with the motivation of friends I finally did it! The program is a tool that will change the way you live your life! It's a lifestyle!
Melinda Muehlbronner
Dover, Delaware
Absolutely incredible. No matter what your personal goals, bootcamp sparks something inside you that motivates you to be a better person in all aspects of your life, not just physically.You have nothing to lose (except weight, laziness and low self esteem)! Bootcamp helps you to make changes to your life that makes it easy to carry on when you aren't in class.
Niki Bourque
Dover, Delaware
HELPED ME CHANGE MY LIFE"
I must first start this message to you with a big Thank You!!! Thank you for providing an environment that helped me change my life. I could not have made these life changes without the constant support, encouragement and follow-up from you and all the trainers at Punch. Even when I didn't believe that I could do the new exercise or use a heavier weight, Chris and his staff certainly believed that I had the ability and constantly encouraged me to keep trying. And to my amazement, I could do all those things and more!
I must admit that I was a bit intimidated about attending a program called "Boot Camp" and almost quit before I started. I even emailed Chris to express my reservations about not being able to complete the program since I was so overweight and incredibly out of shape. But Chris politely entertained all my concerns and even offered to refund my money. But he also ended his email with the following comment, "if you aren't ready to change..." and that comment is what truly convinced me that this was the right program for me! I was so ready to change, but was afraid of one more failure.
Attending Boot Camp was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made when it comes to fitness and making the right lifestyle changes for me. Not only have I NOT FAILED, I've lost over 20 pounds, lost 6% body fat, lost a tremendous amount of inches and gained so much muscle. I still don't believe the changes in my body and am excited to have dropped two sizes as well. I started the program not being able to do one sit-up and now I do lots of them with a 20 pound weight!
I am not the same person I was when I started this program. Besides the physical changes, I have so much more energy, sleep very well and wake up before the alarm clock. I plan my day around my work-out class and do whatever I can to attend my session. I am constantly thinking about getting the appropriate amount of nutrition and have stopped thinking about being on a diet. I have embarked on a lifestyle change and have embraced it whole-heartedly!
After completely my last Boot Camp session, I have decided to join Punch Kettlebell Gym as a member. I have a long way to go and am excited about having all the staff behind me as I continue my journey!
So thanks again to: Chris, Katie, Christen, Karen, JJ and Matt!! I could not have done any of this without your support!
Tammy Lang
Dover, Delaware
As many people do each January, I found myself thinking about joining yet another gym to work out and get back in shape. I was focusing solely on the exercise component until I read an ad for Punch Gym that described the changes I was looking for as 80% nutrition, 10% genetics and 10% exercise. I signed up for the Body Balance Challenge and began attending nutrition classes and Boot Camp classes in February. I became a little frustrated after the first few weeks because I wanted the results to happen immediately. With the support of Chris and his nutrition coach, Teresa, I learned to follow the program, set small goals each week and stay consistent with my nutrition and exercise.
Ten weeks later, I had lost 10 pounds and I felt better than I have in years. I have so much more energy!
We all talk about how busy we are and I am no exception. I am the wife of a husband who works shift work, a mother of a 13-year old son and 10-year old daughter who play sports almost year round and I have a demanding career. I have learned to be creative with my time and find time to work out, shop for the right foods and to prepare them for week so I can stay on track.
I can't thank Chris and the staff at Punch Gym enough for their commitment to me. This place truly has all of the tools you need to succeed under one roof!
Deanna Rigby
Dover, Delaware
I have been on a weight loss program since Jan. 4, 2010 and had lost 50 pounds but still not near my goal. My weight loss was slowing down and I noticed my body also needed toning up. At this point I did not know what to do and then one day I saw the ad for Punch Kettlebell Bootcamp. I signed up for the introductory class thinking if I do not like it then no loss of time or money. I must admit that after that intro class I had my doubts not about the class but if I could withstand the next 5 weeks! I was sore the next few days before the classes started and thought I cannot do this and will probably quit before I start the program. Well much to my amazement I realized there were others who thought the same but were going thru with it. Well that was it for me, I was no person to call it quits before I started a challenge. Well I am glad I didn't. 5 weeks later I am stronger, thinner (7 lbs), firmer, healthier and happier that I followed thru till the end, but for me it is just the beginning since I have signed up for the next boot camp. I want to thank all the staff and Chris for being very understanding and supportive. I could not have done it without their help. Try it, I believe it is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Terri Finnegan
Dover, Delaware
Last year one of my daughter's 2nd grade classmates asked me if I was pregnant. OMG!!! I was sooo embarrassed because I was wearing a girdle at the time. Since then I have been going up and down on the diet roller coaster. I tried several diets. I lost a lot of weight doing the Atkins diet but I gained all the weight back plus some more. I was tired of the yo-yo dieting. I know that I needed to do something but I just did not know what to do or how to start. I needed a change.
Then one glorious day, I discovered Punch Gym. They taught me the tools that I needed to succeed in my weight loss journey. No more yo-yo diets for me. I learned a whole new lifestyle. The staff are very professional and helpful. They are like family.
When I first started the boot camp, I could not do a sit up get up but now I CAN with a weight bar. At the end of 5 weeks I lost 17 Lbs of fat and gain 5 lbs of muscle. WOW!!! I look and feel GREAT! The training was individualized according to my physical ability. So if you are on the fence about joining Boot Camp, you owe it to yourself to do it. It is only 5 weeks, so what you got to lose? (nothing but weight). So no more excuses.
Thanks Punch Gym for giving me the tools and confidence that I needed.
Counting down the pounds,
Millie Mullen
Dover, Delaware
Boot camp was life changing. It helped me develop a habit of working out since the program is 5 days per week. The coaches/trainers were always encouraging yet will push you to do more than you believe you can do. It's worth the investment for your long term health and well being. Don't let the term boot camp intimidate you. Although you workout in a group, each person is on their own personal fitness journey and the workout is tailored to your individual needs and abilities.
Michelle Brown
Dover, Delaware
It's unlike any other exercise program in which I've been involved. But because it is so different, I enjoy the variety and have stuck with it for seven weeks now and I see results. It's hard, but I like it and am proud of my accomplishments. Can't say that about any other program I've tried. Jump over the fence and just do it! It will be the best decision you've ever made.
Tammy Lang
Dover, Delaware
Boot Camp was much more than I expected. I am stronger and more fit than I ever thought I would be! I have also gained great confidence in myself. You must try it! The trainers are challenging and motivating. The workout routines vary and can be modified for any fitness level. The trainers focus on technique and form and keep you progressing so that you are always improving. It is a great program!
Corinne Armann
Dover, Delaware
Excellent! I felt inspired and have more energy! It also gives me the motivation to eat healthier. Go for it! It is a wonderful experience. It is worth the time and money!
Rebecca Donahue
Dover, Delaware
Intense but worth it, you push yourself really hard and it's very rewarding! Just try it! You might think it's hard at the beginning, but you feel so good when it's over, you look at the clock and say, I can't believe how much I just did in 30 Minutes!!
Sheila Milan
Dover, Delaware
A great, healthy and structured way to move in the right direction. Do it. The more you go back & forth about it, the more likely you are to decide not to do it for an ultimately less-important reason. In the end if you need to do this for you, that's all that matters.
Adriene Lopez
Dover, Delaware
If you have never worked out this is the perfect experience. You will have guidance every step of the way! I had a great time! The facility was clean and inviting and the staff is knowledgeable and very supportive.
Sheryl Saborio
Dover, Delaware
Life changing. Very rewarding. The staff is very professional and they want to see you achieve your goals. The training was individualized according to my physical level. Just do it!!! I have some aliments that, in the past, I allowed to hold me back. I was not sure if I'd be able to do the camp. But I DID IT!! Just take 1 day at a time and do the best you can. In just 5 short weeks, I am able to wear clothes that I have not been able to wear in years. There are no excuses. Just do it.
Millie Mullen
Dover, Delaware
Prior to joining Punch Gym I had very low energy and could not do much physically without becoming tired and exhausted. I thought Boot Camp would give me a jump start to a healthier lifestyle. I joined the Boot Camp at Punch and committed myself to the 5 week program. After just 5 weeks I am down 8 inches in my waist, Ive lost over 7 pounds of fat, and gained over 5 pounds of muscle. I was unable to do a simple sit up, but now I can do a sit up with a 30 pound weight! Punch Gym and the instructors there are awesome! Anyone looking for a total gym should give this a shot, they are very involved in each of their members experience, whether its motivating us to keep at it or monitoring and teaching healthy eating habits. Make the commitment, you WILL see results!
Dawn Creasy
Dover, Delaware
I am thoroughly enjoying the boot camp class. I don’t think I have ever been physically challenged like your boot camp class has challenged me. I love every minute of it even though I have to prepare for it mentally, but I look forward to it daily.
Rachael D. Gonesh
Dover, Delaware
Once again I have to tell you how much I love your program and the ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC staff you have at Punch Kettlebell Gym. I believe I have worked with all of them, and EVERYONE is great. I love that they continually challenge me! I feel great, and all the ailments I had initially are almost gone!
Vicki Haines
Dover, Delaware
Thanks again, your facility is top notch and the motivation you provide to your clients is phenomenal. I had a great time! The facility was clean and inviting and the staff is knowledgeable and very supportive.
Sheryl Saborio
Dover, Delaware
You know I have to tell you that when I first started at the gym you said that people are motivated to work hard because they know you are watching and they don’t want to have to face you if they slack off. Well, when I heard you say that I thought to myself, ha, not me. I don’t care what anybody thinks. But, turns out you were right. I am working hard partly because I don’t want to let you down.
I can see that you are truly invested in each one of us reaching our goals and really making changes in our lives. Your message is not just selling exercise, but getting people to see the whole picture. When you said that diet is 90% responsible for our success I was really impressed. I mean you basically said that if we don’t follow the correct way of eating, and add cardio, then we may as well quit working out because we will see little or no improvement. For a gym owner to say that I thought to myself, wow, this is the real thing.
I hope you know how much I appreciate your passion and investment in supporting me. I tell you because I don’t want you to give up on me! For 20 years I have never found a program that works. I guess I am afraid that somehow this new me is going to leave and I will be back to where I was…
DeeAnn Whitter
Dover, Delaware
Awesome! I wish I could continue the 5 day a week sessions indefinitely. I not only lost a few pounds and inches, but I felt better than I had in years! Try it, and I guarantee you will like it. I remember watching the class before my first session and thinking, "I could never do that"! Before you know it, you are not only doing what you thought you could never do, but exceeding your expectations.
Vicki Haines
Dover, Delaware
Thank you so much for all the thought and time you have put into your program. It has changed my life. Your program is amazing, my body is loving you.
Stephanie Velvel
Dover, Delaware
